More than 63,000 coronavirus-related deaths have been recorded around the world, all nationalities combined. Nearly three-quarters of them happened in Europe. Add to that the growing number of new cases every day. Alarming right? What if your family was concerned during your stay abroad? Here are some tips to help you cope with this kind of situation.
Make necessary arrangements
We will never say it enough: prevention is better than cure, even if some mishaps cannot be avoided, unfortunately. Expats are generally advised to take out health insurance before travelling abroad. However, we often tend to omit certain clauses, like repatriation and death. Make sure, therefore, to inquire with your insurer, especially if your family is coming with you overseas. Funerals, as well as repatriation, represent considerable costs for which your kins may not be prepared. It's also a good idea to check whether your insurance covers all destinations and circumstances in case of death.
Also, make sure that all your essential documents, as well as those of your family members, including identity cards, passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate, etc., in a safe and accessible place.
Coping with death overseas
If one of your family members dies of coronavirus abroad, the first thing you should do is to inform your embassy or consulate which will give you necessary instructions and advice. You then have to decide whether you prefer the funeral to be held in your host country or if you would prefer repatriation of the deceased. Your embassy or consulate shall provide you with information on all the legal aspects ad risks relating to your decision.
If you prefer the funeral to take place in your host country, it is likely that local authorities will impose their own conditions. Taken into account the urgency of the situation, the best thing to do would be to cooperate in the interest of everyone. Keep in mind that in case you choose repatriation, especially if you wish to accompany the deceased, you might be quarantined – which is likely to be compromising for the funeral.
Planning the funeral
You will agree that a coronavirus-related death is far from being like any other death due to the risk of contamination. That is why you should strictly abide by the rules, whether the funeral takes place in the host country or home country of the deceased. Most countries are taking precautions like the immediate casketing of the deceased, the prohibition of mortuary toilets, including ritual toilets, the prohibition of conservation practices, etc. If the death happened at home, the body of the deceased must be transferred to a funeral home. If you have chosen to repatriate the body of the deceased, make sure to obtain a certificate of no epidemic from the health authorities of your host country.
Also keep in mind that during this health crisis, the funeral must be a strictly family affair – with not more than ten people. Furthermore, it is recommended that you avoid attending a funeral if you are suffering from coronavirus. You should also avoid any form of contact with the body of the deceased.
Grieving the death of a close one due to coronavirus
While this is a really emotionally difficult situation, you should be able to keep your head on your shoulders to ensure the health and safety of those around you. No doubt, you won't even be able to perform the usual rituals or comfort your family members. The pain of losing a family member can make you forget about necessary precautions. In all circumstances, keep a minimum distance of one meter from the people around you, avoid blowing your nose or wiping your eyes and face. Always carry a hydro-alcoholic solution with you if you cannot wash your hands immediately. Avoid hugging or shaking hands with those present at the funeral. Use only disposable tissues and make sure to throw them in the trash.
Even if all this seems difficult to do at first, keep in mind that these actions will help preserve your health and that of the people around you.
